The January meeting of the Middlesboro Board of Education was a special one as it was Waylon Allen’s final meeting as the district’s superintendent.

On behalf of the board, chair Teresa Brown presented Allen with a plaque and gold watch engraved with his name and the years he served as superintendent. The meeting was held at the Middlesboro High School library and the room was full of district employees, former board members and others there to wish Allen well as he retires after 31 years in education.

He spent the last 20 years working with the Middlesboro Independent School System serving as assistant principal at Middlesboro High School, Director of Pupil Personnel, Director of Transportation, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately, Superintendent for the last eight years.

Allen began his career in education in Harlan County in 1994 as a teacher and football coach.  He then moved into administration as an assistant principal at James A. Cawood High School before joining Middlesboro Independent Schools in 2005.

“It has been my honor to serve the community of Middlesboro and to work alongside so many dedicated educators, staff, and families,” said Allen. “Together, we have made significant progress in providing students with high-quality learning environments and opportunities that will positively impact their futures.”

Allen officially retired on January 31, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success.

One of the highlights of Allen’s eight-year tenure as Superintendent has been completing nearly $8 million in construction and renovation projects without raising taxes. His leadership has brought numerous improvements to the district, including:

•   Academic Initiatives & Technology Investments: K-12 curriculum alignment, Middlesboro U, Verizon Innovative Learning Lab Award, Project Lead the Way implemented at all schools, and the purchase of $400,000 in high-quality instructional resources for reading, math, science, and social studies.
•   School Safety & Security Enhancements: School Resource Officers (SROs) stationed at each school, updates to SRO vehicles.
•   Facility Upgrades: Football field renovation, exterior facility improvements, indoor sports complex, HVAC upgrades, science labs, sensory room, MES playgrounds, and MHS kitchen upgrades.
•   COVID-19 Response & Virtual Learning Advancements: New Chromebooks and hotspots for students, establishment of a Virtual Learning Academy.
•   Innovative Programs & Student Support Services: Jacket Exchange, MMS projected STEM certification in 2025.

Allen’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the district’s growth and success, and his impact will be felt for years to come.  “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the opportunity to have served this district,” Allen said. “I look forward to seeing Middlesboro Independent Schools continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

Former school board members Charla Costanzo, David Mike and Kenny Pratt were in attendance to wish Allen well and several current and former school employees also took time to say kind words including Jane Cambron and Loretta Brown.

“I just wanted to say how much I appreciate Waylon, he’s done a great job,” Costanzo said. “He came into this system at a time when we really needed him. When he started at the high school, I had retired from teaching and was doing truancy for the district. We did home visits together and I really got to know him. He’s a lot of fun to work with but he’s serious about what he gets done.”

The board appointed Dr. Jamie Johnson to serve as interim superintendent beginning February 1 through June 30 and plans to have the next permanent superintendent named in time to start on July 1. They also approved  the consultant contract with Andy Kim for February 1 through the end of the year.

Also at the January meeting, Brown presented Mr. Jim Kennedy with a gift and recognized his retirement after several years overseeing facilities upgrades for the district.

“For all of your hard work, the wonderful job you’ve done and the money you’ve saved us, we are extremely disappointed that you’re leaving. But I understand that you are already retired anyway and it’s time to go home,” she said. “We have enjoyed you immensely and you are always welcome here.”

Allen thanked Kennedy and said he has been a good friend.

“I just want to say that I’m going to miss him and he has been a great asset to our school system,” he said.  “Thank you Mr. Kennedy.”

Brown then presented former School Board Member Bill Johnson with a plaque and an engraved gold pocket watch. Johnson resigned last month after serving on the school board for 22 years.

“We could never repay him for the things he has done and all the accomplishments during the 22 years he has served this district,” she said.

Johnson said serving on the school board has been a labor of love.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with many, many good people on the school board over the years,” he said. “They’ve all had the children and the taxpayers at heart.”

Brown was re-elected as the board chair and Joyce Hoskins as vice-chair for 2025 and the date and time for regular board meetings was kept on the third Tuesday of every month at 5 p.m. at the Central Office. The next board meeting will be on Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. at the Middlesboro Middle School gym.